Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin, a West African country, and was once the capital of French Dahomey. The commune has a population of 223,552 people and occupies an area of 110 square kilometers (42 square miles).
Porto-Novo, which means “New Port” in Portuguese, is the name of the capital. It was built as a slave port, which was an essential feature of several European empires, notably the Portuguese Empire, at the time.
Porto-Novo is a port in the southern part of the nation, on an entrance of the Gulf of Guinea. It is Benin’s second-largest city, and although Porto-Novo is the formal capital and home to the national assembly, the bigger city of Cotonou serves as the seat of government, housing the majority of government buildings and ministries.
Porto-Novo – Info Card
POPULATION : | City: 267,191 |
FOUNDED : | 16th century |
TIME ZONE : | |
LANGUAGE : | French (official), Fon and Yoruba |
RELIGION : | Christian 42.8% (Catholic 27.1%, Celestial 5%, Methodist 3.2%, other Protestant 2.2%, other 5.3%), Muslim 24.4%, Vodoun 17.3%, other 15.5% |
AREA : | 110 km2 (40 sq mi) |
ELEVATION : | 38 m (125 ft) |
COORDINATES : | 6°29′50″N 2°36′18″E |
SEX RATIO : | • Male: 49.83% • Female: 50.17% |
ETHNIC : | Fon and related 39.2%, Adja and related 15.2%, Yoruba and related 12.3%, Bariba and related 9.2%, Peulh and related 7%, Others 17.1% |
AREA CODE : | |
POSTAL CODE : | |
DIALING CODE : | +229 |
WEBSITE : | www.villedeportonovo.com |
Climate of Porto-Novo
Most days in Porto-Novo are hot and humid, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. From February through May, the weather is a little hotter, with average nighttime temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius.
Economy of Porto-Novo
A cement plant is located in Porto-Novo. The city is home to the Ouando Market and a branch of the Banque Internationale du Bénin, a significant bank in Benin.
Internet, Comunication in Porto-Novo
There are a lot of good internet cafés, particularly in the town center.